Tag: State Dept

US Imposes New Sanctions Designations on Iran’s Space Program as Tehran Continues to Use Civilian Space Agencies to Advance its Ballistic Missile Programs

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September 3, 2019 – Today, the Department of State designated the Iran Space Agency and two of its research institutes under Executive Order (E.O.) 13382 for engaging in proliferation-sensitive activities. This is the first time the United States is designating Iran’s civilian space agency for activities that advance its ballistic missile program. The United States will not allow Iran to use its space launch program as cover to advance its ballistic missile programs. Iran’s August 29 attempt to launch a space launch vehicle underscores the urgency of the threat. These…

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DSCA to Reduce FMS Administrative Surcharge for Partners

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The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced today that it is reducing the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Administrative Surcharge from 3.5 percent to 3.2 percent, effective June 1, 2018. The FMS Administrative Surcharge is assessed on the total value of an FMS sale and covers the administrative management costs of the FMS program. Under FMS, the U.S. government uses the Department of Defense’s acquisition system to procure defense articles and services on behalf of its international partners. DSCA manages FMS at no cost to the U.S. Government, in accordance with…

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Holding Russia Accountable for Its Destabilizing Behavior

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On March 4, Russia used a military-grade nerve agent to attempt to murder a British citizen and his daughter in Salisbury. This attack on our Ally the United Kingdom put countless innocent lives at risk and resulted in serious injury to three people, including a police officer. In response to this outrageous violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and breach of international law, today the United States will expel 48 Russian officials serving at Russia’s bilateral mission to the United States. We will also require the Russian government to close…

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Unsafe Russian Military Practices

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The United States notes with the highest level of concern the latest incident of unsafe Russian military practices, over the Black Sea on January 29. As confirmed by U.S. Naval Forces Europe, a Russian SU-27 engaged in an unsafe interaction with a U.S. EP-3 in international airspace, with the Russia pilot closing to within 5 feet and crossing directly in front of the EP-3’s flight path. While the U.S. aircraft was operating under international law, the Russian side was flagrantly violating existing agreements and international law, in this case the…

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DSCA: Harpoon Block II Missiles, RAM Missiles and MK 54 Torpedoes for Mexico

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The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Mexico of RGM-84L Harpoon Block II surface launched missiles, Block II Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) tactical missiles and MK 54 Mod 0 lightweight torpedoes for an estimated cost of $98.4 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Mexico has requested to buy six (6) RGM-84L Harpoon Block II surface launched missiles, twenty-three (23) Block II Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) tactical missiles and six…

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